Jun 24 2006
An Everlasting King—From Bethlehem?
Having denounced Judah’s leaders (Mic. 3:1-12), Micah announced good news: an ideal, eternal king would someday rule over the land (5:2). This unique hope offered a glimmer of light in the midst of the gathering darkness (5:1; 7:8).
On the surface, Micah’s prophecy seems to imply that the rulerw as coming right away. Actually, seven centries separated the prophet from the Ruler whom he was heralding. Yet in terms of God’s timetable, the MEssiah’s appearing was just around the corner. Samaria would call (c. 722 B.C.), and Jerusalem would soon follow (c. 587 B.C.). Decades later, Jews would begin returning to Palestine. Then the next major event in the Lord’s plan would be the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. He would bring everlasting salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to the whole world (7:7, 18-20).
From The Word in Life™ Study Bible, copyright © 1993, 1996 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.